Physician use of an ambulatory medical record system: matching form and function.

An ambulatory medical record system was implemented as a pilot project to determine the clinical and operational impacts of using interactive, computer-based systems in the outpatient setting. Of the 58 physicians who attempted to use the AMR system, 28 continue as active users. Physicians who discontinued use of the system reported a variety of reasons for their dissatisfaction. As a result of the pilot, the AMR implementation team and physicians understand better how to fit the AMR system to a physician's specific requirements, as well as enhance the operation of the physician's practice. Armed with the experience gained during the early phases of the implementation, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation now intends a cautious expansion and continued evaluation of the AMR system, with the objective of meeting organizational needs with appropriate technical functions.